LIVING WILLOW- GENERAL INFORMATION & WORK IN SCHOOLS
Living willow structures can lend themselves to dens for children, tunnels to run in and out, wigwams and shelters- the emphasis on play and fun. They can also be natural barriers on allotments/gardens in the form of 'fedges' the term for a natural hedge/fence hybrid made from living willow. Or even a 'wigloo' you have guessed it a willow igloo!
They are not only beautiful but also provide shelter and a wonderful natural classroom in which to learn. They can also allow groups to come together to build something for their local community or school.
The planting/building of a living willow structure is usually done in the second half of the Spring term. Willow has to be ordered in October/November of the previous year. I am able to build structures for you or to provide training for a group to build their own.
Designs can be tailored to individual needs or site specific. I usually come out to asses the site and discuss your needs before quoting.
Please be aware that they are living structures and will require substantial watering in the first year, and a commitment to care (pruning, watering and feeding) in subsequent years.
Any quote includes 2 visits in the first year of growth (usually late summer and late spring)to check on the structure, repair and instruct in future care.
They are not only beautiful but also provide shelter and a wonderful natural classroom in which to learn. They can also allow groups to come together to build something for their local community or school.
The planting/building of a living willow structure is usually done in the second half of the Spring term. Willow has to be ordered in October/November of the previous year. I am able to build structures for you or to provide training for a group to build their own.
Designs can be tailored to individual needs or site specific. I usually come out to asses the site and discuss your needs before quoting.
Please be aware that they are living structures and will require substantial watering in the first year, and a commitment to care (pruning, watering and feeding) in subsequent years.
Any quote includes 2 visits in the first year of growth (usually late summer and late spring)to check on the structure, repair and instruct in future care.
SheltersThese photos show 2 small shelters put in Bankwood Children's Centre in Sheffield.
The brief was to provide 1 sheltered den in the form of a wigwam and also a semi circular shelter suitable for the children to sit in to listen to stories etc in the summer. Later on seating was added to the semi circular shelter. The storytellers corner makes use of the natural hill so the children can sit on the banking and have stories read to them in the dappled shade provided by the storytellers arbour. |
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WigwamsAll sizes- great for schools but also a suitable size to have in a back garden.
Easy to erect and weave in- here are 3 of differing sizes being built for Cawthorne Primary School by parents of the children. |
FedgesA simple fedge to separate the playground from the emerging veg garden. As you can see lots of rubble was removed from the planting trench and replaced with new mulch to feed the willow.
A simple archway seeks to lead you into the garden and strengthen the 2 sections. Arched tops to the fedge echo the main archway. |
